More than 2,000 years ago the indigenous people of the Korean peninsula began to develop a form of combat called Taek Kyon to defend their country from tyranny and oppression. This form of combat was not only used as a means of protection, it was used as a tool to promote loyalty, respect, discipline, and harmonious living. Taek Kyon eventually evolved into what we now know as Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is literally translated as the “The Way of the Foot and the Hand”.   True Tae Kwon Do training is not just about kicking and punching it is also a way of thinking and living. Tae Kwon Do is a “Way of Life” meant to cultivate the mind, body, and spirit. Through the centuries, rigorous workouts of the body combined with a philosophy of strength and peacefulness of the mind has become the source of inspiration and self-improvement for millions of people in over 120 nations.

The style of Tae Kwon Do we practice is known as Chung Do Kwan.  Chung Do Kwan is literally translated as “Blue Wave School” or also known as the “Way of the True Path”.  The origins of Chung Do Kwan find its roots in the traditional martial arts of Japan, China, and Korea and is considered a traditional martial arts style today because it adheres to the precepts of how martial arts were to be originally taught and learned.  Training in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do focuses on developing and refining the body, mind, and spirit.  A student of Chung Do Kwan trains the body through many different kicking and hand techniques, blocking, self-defense tactics, and ground defense, all while providing an overall great workout.  Chung Do Kwan also guides the practitioner towards refining the mind through discipline, self-control, focus, and enlightening meditation sessions.  These guided meditation techniques help the student to gain focus and concentration while strengthening and balancing one’s spirit, leading the individual to the ultimate goal of mind, body, and spiritual harmony.

Today, there are only a handful of true Chung Do Kwan schools around the world.  Grand Master Cho, one of the few Grand Masters of Chung Do Kwan has entrusted Master Teacher Brian O’Connor with passing on the coveted martial art of Chung Do Kwan in its truest form.  Here at Ascent Martial Arts we strive to keep the integrity of original martial arts training and preserve the values and lessons of traditional Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do that have been passed down for more than 2,000 years.